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Chen to compete in 'bamboo country'
Tough competition at fourth stop on Omega China Golf Tour
06.17.2009 – June 17, 2009: Chen Jian, Luxehills Champion, has been named one
of the favorites at this week's Dongfeng Nissan Teana Open. This is the first Omega
China Tour event in Zhejiang province and boasts a total prize amount of
RMB700,000.
Chen, 34, became the circuit’s most surprising winner when he beat former Asian
Tour player Rowan Beste in a play-off to win last week’s Luxehills Golf
Championship in Chengdu , four years after his last top-10 finish on the Tour.
The Kunming-based teaching pro competes this week on another Mark Hollinger
layout at the new Anji King Valley Country Club, where most of the challenges lie on
the sloping greens, most notably the treacherous ninth and 18th holes.
“ King Valley is not long but it’s quite difficult, especially on the greens. You really
need to pay attention on every stroke, especially on your approach shots, as you can
roll off the greens,” said Chen, who featured in a pre-event photo shoot at the Anji
Bamboo Forest with Australian Kurt Barnes.
“It was overwhelming to win in Chengdu , but this week is a new beginning. I need to
forget about last week and start again. There are many top players who can win,
especially at this tournament,” added Chen, who will play the first two rounds with
Dell winner Wu Weihuang and national team amateur Huang Wenyi.
Liao Guiming, who finished fourth last week, played with Chen in the third round in
Chengdu and witnessed his friend’s improved short game.
“We supported each other during the round and his 68 put him in the final flight on
Sunday. His putting and chipping are very good now,” said Liao, the reigning Omega
Order of Merit winner.
“Chen Jian has played many events on the Omega China Tour, and his victory was a
reward for how hard he has been working on his game.”
Liao agreed this week’s tournament could be won on the greens. “This is the first
golf course in China surrou